Stratford-upon-Avon and the Heart of England Restaurants

Stratford has many reasonably priced bistros and unpretentious eateries offering a broad choice of international fare; Warwick and Kenilworth both have good restaurant options. Birmingham has good international restaurants but is probably most famous for its Indian and Pakistani "curry houses"; you'll find good choices both in the city center and out of town. The city hosts the annual Taste of Birmingham Festival in July. In the rest of the Midlands, casual spots dominate, although Ludlow has some exceptionally good restaurants.

Sort by: 29 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 21. Restaurant Severn

    $$

    At this discreet restaurant set back from the main road in the center of Ironbridge, the concept is simple: locally sourced produce and modern techniques are combined to serve up a twist of British classics and European favorites. Start with the chicken liver parfait with gingerbread and cherry compote, before moving on to the wild mushroom risotto. Round off your meal with a selection of local cheeses, washed down with the wonderful wine on offer. The set menu (£32 for two courses, £39 for 3 courses) is reasonably priced.

    33 High St., Ironbridge, Telford and Wrekin, TF8 7AG, England
    01952-432233

    Known For

    • British classics with a modern slant
    • Personal service
    • Fabulous wines

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed.
  • 22. Rhubarb at Draper's Hall

    $$$

    The dark-wood paneling, antique furniture, and intimate lighting of this 16th-century hall make this a distinctive dining spot for modern British cuisine. You might try the loin of Rhug Estate pheasant breast or loin of halibut. For dessert, the white chocolate mousse or rum creme caramel are excellent. The restaurant also has six gorgeous guest bedrooms if you wish to stay the night.

    10 St. Mary's Pl., Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1DZ, England
    01743-341105

    Known For

    • Modern British food
    • Chic decor
    • Wild game dishes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 23. Shabab’s

    $

    This stalwart of the Birmingham curry scene is something of a local institution, serving up impressive balti since 1987. Tradition dictates that proper balti must be eaten from the same dish it is cooked in, and Shabab's long history guarantees a lot of flavor in its dishes.

    163–165 Ladypool Rd., Birmingham, Birmingham, B12 8LQ, England
    0121-440–2893

    Known For

    • Traditional lamb balti
    • BYOB policy
    • Spices galore
  • 24. Sorrento

    $$

    Family run, this Italian restaurant takes a respectable, old-fashioned approach to service. The menu of traditional favorites is cooked from family recipes and includes main dishes such as veal sirloin grilled with rosemary and garlic butter and black linguine with crab-claw meat and scallops. There’s also a hearty risotto of the day. Upon arrival, sip an aperitif in the lounge before being escorted to your table for a silver-service, white-tablecloth meal. Pre-theater dinners are good value.

    8 Ely St., Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6LW, England
    01789-297999

    Known For

    • Alfresco dining in summer
    • Family restaurant for over 30 years
    • Old-fashioned table service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 25. The Bookshop

    $$

    One of the most exciting restaurants in Hereford (but not an actual bookstore), you can browse the nice selection of books while you kick back for a leisurely brunch or enjoy a long afternoon with great food and drinks in a hip atmosphere. Serving modern British food, the Sunday roasts have become a must for locals. The laid-back yard, shared with the burger joint and pizza place next door, is one of the city's coolest hangouts.

    33 Aubrey St., Hereford, Herefordshire, HR4 0BU, England
    01432-343443

    Known For

    • One of the best brunches in the region
    • Fun literary ambience
    • Very cool backyard
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 26. The Cliffe at Dinham

    $$

    Although there are lovely rooms in this 1850s redbrick inn near Ludlow Castle, the main draw is the food. The dining room serves good quality local dishes, but what really makes the modern British menu stand-out are its special evenings, such as Fish Night, in which fresh oysters and langoustines are cooked to perfection.

    Dinham, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 2JE, England
    01584-872063

    Known For

    • Classic British cuisine
    • Nice cocktail menu and wine list
    • Castle views
  • 27. The Dirty Duck/The Black Swan

    $

    The only pub in Britain to be licensed under two names (the more informal one came courtesy of American GIs who were stationed here during World War II), this is one of Stratford's most celebrated and consistently rated pubs, attracting actors since the 18th-century days of thespian David Garrick. Along with your pint of bitter, you can choose from the extensive pub-grub menu of fish-and-chips, steaks, burgers, and grills; there are also good-value light bites. Now part of the well-established Greene King Inns family, the biggest draw here is the lovely veranda that overlooks the theaters and the river.

    Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6BA, England
    01789-297312

    Known For

    • Classic English pub atmosphere
    • Reservations-only for dinner
    • Veranda overlooking the river
  • 28. The Opposition

    $$

    Hearty, warming meals are offered at this informal, family-style restaurant in a 16th-century building on the main dining street near the theaters. The English and international dishes win praise from the locals. There’s a good range of light options and fixed-price menus as well. Make reservations a month ahead in summer.

    13 Sheep St., Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6EF, England
    01789-269980

    Known For

    • Historical setting
    • Plenty of vegetarian and healthy options
    • Summertime crowds

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 29. The Vintner

    $$

    The imaginative, bistro-inspired menu varies each day at this café and wine bar set in a 15th-century building. Tempting British and European-style dishes include confit leg of duck bigarade with dauphinoise potatoes and seared beef fillet Stroganoff. To dine before curtain time, arrive early or make a reservation. The building, largely unaltered since the late 1400s, has lovely flagstone floors and oak beams.

    4 and 5 Sheep St., Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6EF, England
    01789-297259

    Known For

    • Inventive pretheater menu
    • Historic setting
    • Excellent wine list

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video